Anti-cruelty laws are a good start

NEW laws to prosecute cruel animal owners are a step in the right direction (News, October 5). As most animal suffering is caused by ignorance rather than deliberate cruelty, I am pleased to see that the new legislation contains measures to prevent animals passing into the hands of people who are not suited to the task.

Taking on an animal requires careful consideration of its needs, giving it the space and opportunity to obey its natural instincts.

For example, for a dog to be happy, it must be allowed the freedom to mark out territory and to socialise with other dogs.

Measures to prevent the sale of animals to under-16s and giving pets as prizes are not "political correctness" but common sense.

Conchita Pinto, Keir Street, Edinburgh